Manish Malhotra: Celebrating Indian Heritage Through Fashion at the Met Gala

Manish Malhotra, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, shares his insights on the rich heritage of Indian textiles and artisans. At this year's Met Gala, he showcased his designs inspired by cultural elements, dressing celebrities like Karan Johar and Sudha Reddy. With a career spanning over three decades, Malhotra reflects on his journey and expresses a desire to dress iconic figures like Meryl Streep and Madonna. Join us as we delve into his creative process and future aspirations in the world of fashion.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 06:05 IST

A Multifaceted Designer's Journey

Manish Malhotra is a renowned fashion designer, couturier, costume stylist, entrepreneur, and filmmaker. However, he is primarily celebrated for his ability to dress some of the most stunning individuals in the world.

When asked about the source of his remarkable aesthetic that brings pride to India, he emphasizes the country's rich heritage, traditions, vibrant colors, textiles, and skilled artisans. As a designer aiming for global recognition, he finds it thrilling to highlight the craftsmanship of Indian artisans.

This year marked his second appearance at the Met Gala, where the theme 'Costume Art' resonated deeply with his background in costume design. For his personal ensemble, he aimed to honor Mumbai and acknowledge the dedication of his design team on an international stage.

Dressing Celebrities with Cultural Inspiration

In addition to Karan Johar, Malhotra dressed Sudha Reddy, drawing inspiration from her Hyderabad roots. The outfit featured Kalamkari embroidery, showcasing a tree of life symbolizing timelessness. For actress Camila Mendes from Riverdale, he created a piece that mimicked the brushstroke textures found in Amrita Shergill’s artwork.

Karan Johar served as the showstopper for Malhotra's collection. After discussing inspirations from Raja Ravi Verma, they quickly moved to design sketches during a Zoom meeting. Despite being in London, Malhotra was thrilled to see Johar's excitement over the sketches, leading to days of meticulous work involving painting, 3D printing, and intricate zardosi embroidery.

Reflecting on a Passion for Fabrics

With 35 years of experience as a costume designer and two decades in mainstream fashion, Malhotra reflects on his journey with fabrics. He continues to work on one or two films while planning for global expansion, which he finds both challenging and exhilarating.

When asked about celebrities he dreams of dressing, he mentions that he has collaborated with nearly every major Indian actor. However, he expresses a desire to dress Meryl Streep and Madonna, two iconic figures he admires. Having previously worked with stars like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez, he looks forward to the opportunity to style these legendary actresses.